Hi all,
- What should I do for ground transportation? Should I arrange for a car and driver (from where, and how much would it be?), or should I just get a pre-paid cab from the airport, and deal with in-city travel using cabs? In my estimates, I had budgeted about $50 a day for transport, which I thought would give me a lot of wriggle room, but it sounds like Bangalore is much more expensive than Kolkata (no big surprise there!)
Hi DG,
I have been to Bangalore a few times on business; you're lucky you are in Hebbal - I have to go all the way to Electronic City! I'll answer only the questions I can help with.
Personally I would get one car/driver for the whole day, it's just easier than coordinating with multiple different drivers, and not that expensive. Personally I hate dealing with the airports and much prefer having someone waiting for me with a card with my name on it. You could try my travel agent, Vinod Goswami/Babita Tours,
[email protected] to arrange that. Not sure what the rates are these days.
- Any advice on female work clothes? This is a non-IT chem lab environment, so business suits would probably be overkill, but again, should I play it safe? (Its normally business suits in the US office)
I usually wear business suits unless it's very hot, then I will wear something like a loose short sleeved linen top with slacks and sandals. If you are into traditional dress, a salwar suit would be perfectly appropriate but I am American and although I do own one, I would look a little ridiculous in the workplace in it!
- I am still debating on if my 1-yr old comes with me or stays "home" with grandma (Spouse is definitely thinking of coming). Do you think hotels can arrange babysitting? Should I trust that service, or just play it safe and leave her home?
That will depend on the hotel - if it's a very nice one, contact the concierge ahead of time and make sure they can arrange trustworthy babysitting. Also check reviews of the hotel on Tripadvisor.com to see if anyone mentions the babysitting service.
- Recommendations for restaurants with good food will be great. We are not interested in "happening" places, just quiet upscale places with good non-European food.
All help and suggestions are deeply appreciated!
DG
I really like UB City's restaurants, especially Shiro (pan-Asian) and Toscana (Italian). It's not TOO far from where you are in Hebbal. There's also Tandoor (I know, boring name, but my colleagues rave about it) not too far from UB City. And one I have been wanting to go to is MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Room) which is a bit further out for you.
Truly